US aiding Guyana in fight against malaria

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has donated 20,000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests to the Guyana National Malaria Programme.

The donation is in response to a malaria test kit shortage in the country and will greatly strengthen the country’s malaria response.

U.S. Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot reiterated that “the United States is a committed and long-term partner in Guyana’s development. This donation supports the Government of Guyana’s vision of a Malaria Free Guyana by 2030.”

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony thanked the United States for the donation, stating, “the Ministry of Health expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the United States of America, for its generous donation of 20,000 malaria rapid diagnostic kits.

The kits will significantly enhance our capacity to promptly and precisely diagnose malaria in many rural communities across Guyana and will safeguard the well-being of our citizens. We are thankful for the ongoing partnership, which has assisted Guyana tremendously over the years.”

The kits are intended for areas which account for more than 95% of Guyana’s malaria cases.

Since 2016, the United States Government has been helping Guyana fight malaria through its regional malaria programme in collaboration with partners such as PAHO and the USAID Breakthrough Action team.

Some notable achievements to date include mapping out areas with high malaria rates, distributing 3,000-bed nets to those most vulnerable, enhancing malaria management in Regions 7 and 8, and facilitating a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Health, government entities, and mining associations.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that is spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes.

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